Bearing assembly for centrifuges and the like



June 12, 1951 E J. EucocK A 2,556,317

BEARING ASSEMBLY FOR CENTRIFUGES AND THE LIKE Filed April al 194s 2 sheets-sheet 1 JHMEJ E'. 000K Jl-lne 12, 1951 J, E, COOK K 2,556,317

I BEARING ASSEMBLY FOR CENTRIF'UGES vAND THE LIKE Filed April 6, 1948 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 r I f 22 5 2 2 f mr- 5 i ('9) 2 i E d:

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l A Trop/v5 V5 Patented J une 12,l 1951 `BEARING ASSEMBLY FOR `CENTRIFUGES A AND THE LIKE James Edward Cook, Poughkeepsie, N. Y., assignor to The De Laval Separator Company, New York, N. Y., a corporation of New Jersey Application April 6, 1948, Serial No. 19,336

8 Claims.

This invention relates to spindle bearings for centrifuges, and the like. More particularly, the invention has reference to an improved bearing assembly for resiliently supporting the spindle of the centrifugal bowl so as to accommodate and absorb vibrations incident'to its rotation.

In centrifuges as commonly made heretofore,

the spindle supports the centrifugal bowl and, in turn, is supported by both top and bottom bearings. The bottom bearing takes up the axial thrust of the spindle, while the top bearing serves only as a lateral support'forthe spindle. Since the rotating parts necessarily undergo lateral or radial movements as they are brought up to their normal speed, and even while rotating at the Aintended speed, the top bearing includes vibration absorbing means arranged radially between the bearing element proper and the stationary frame of the machine. The vibration absorbing means are generally in the form of a rubber cushion or radial compression springs disposed around the bearing element and seated in the stationary frame.

, The present invention is directed to the provision of an improved bearing assembly for the spindle oi a centrifuge,I or the like, in which both the lateral and the axial support for the spindle are resilient, whereby the assembly absorbs lateral vibrations of the spindle and also changes in the magnitude of its axial thrust during the rotation.

A bearing assembly made according to the invention comprises a bearing element proper, such as a ball bearing, engaging and surrounding the spindle and locked againstyaxial movement relative to the spindle. The bearing element, in turn, is mounted on one or more compression springs preferably disposed below the bearing element and seated upon a stationary ange of the centrifuge frame surrounding the spindle. The compression springs support the spindle in axial thrust and are adapted to flex laterally to accommodate lateral movements of the spindle. In addition, the bearing element is sup-ported laterally or radially by resilient means which may be in the form of radial compression springs seated at their outer ends against a Vstationary part of the frame, the latter springs exerting a radial thrust toward the spindle axis and against the bearing element. The Vradial and axial springs, and the bearing element which they support, may be arranged in a recess in the stationary frame andv normally closed by a cover which maybe easilyremoved to obtain access to the bearingaparts,I

The spindle is also supported by a second bearing element spaced axially from the first. Preferably, the second bearing element is located near the lower end of the spindle and aords only lateral support thereto, this bearing element allowing axial movement of the spindle incident to contraction and expansion of the axial springs of the upper bearing. Thus, the spindle and its centrifugal bowl float lon the latter springs, and the lateral vibratory movements are cushioned by the radial springs of the upper bearing.

The lower bearing element provides the desired stability to the rotating parts and restricts lateral movements of 'the lower end kof the spindle, which is particularly important when the latter serves as a duct and is connected through Aa l ilexible seal to a stationary pipe.

For a better understanding of the invention, reference may be had to the accompanying drawing, in which Fig. l is a vertical sectional view'of part of a centrifuge embodying one form of the invention, showing the mounting for the bearing element at the upper part of the spindle, the View being on the line i-I in Fig. 3;

Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional View of the lower part of the spindle, showing the mounting for the lower bearing element, and

Fig. 3 is a sectional View on the line 3 3 in Fig. 1.

Referring to the drawing, the numeral I0 designates a horizontal flange forming part of the stationary frame of the centrifuge. The flange I0 has a central opening into which the lower- 1 part of a stationary housing II is closely fitted,

the housing II resting upon the flange I0 and being removably secured thereto by bolts I2. At its lower end, the housing II has a centralopening IIa through which the vertical spindle I3 of the centrifuge extends with a substantial clearance.

The spindle is rotatably supported in a bearing element having an inner race I4 fitted closely around the upper part of the spindle and seated on an upwardly facing shoulder I3a of the spindle. The inner race I4 is surrounded by an outer race I5 and by ball bearings I6 interposed between the two races. It will be observed that the bearing I4, I5, I6 is adapted, through the outer race I5, to support the spindle in axial thrust and also radially. The inner race I4 is clamped against the spindle shoulder I 32L by a nut I'I threaded on the spindle directly above the bearing, the nut I'I having a hood IIa for a purpose to be described presently. The outer race I5 is held closely in a movable supporting ring I8 having at its lower end an inwardly extending flange upon which the outer race I5 rests.

The supporting ring I8 is supported axially by a spring arrangement which, as shown, comprises a series of vertical compression springs I9 interposed between the bottom of the supporting ring I8 and the bottom flange of the housing II. The springs I9 are spaced apart around the spindle and are positioned at their lower ends by a locating ring resting upon the bottoni flange of the housing II. The.l locating ring'29 is held in position by the side wall of housing II and has holes 2| for receiving the lower portions of springs I9. Since the upper end portions of springs I9 project above the locating ring 20, these springs are adapted to flex laterally to accommodate radial movements of the spindle and the bearing element.

Radial plungers 22 are spaced around the supporting ring I8, the inner end of each plunger being seated in a recess I8a in the supporting ring. The recess I3a is large enough to allow axial movement of supporting ring I8 relative to the plunger in the recess. The plungers 22 are generally cup-shaped with their open ends facing outwardly. Each plunger is slidable radially in holes formed ina ring 23 mounted on an upper ledge I Ib in the housing I I. Within each plunger 22 is a compression spring 24, the inner end of which presses against the closed end of the plunger, while the outer end of the spring is seated against the head of a pin 25. Each pin 25 extends partly within the coils of the spring to center the latter and is pressed by the spring against a ring 2B engaging the inner wall of housing I I near the top of the housing.

The top of the housing II is normally closed by a cover plate 28 removably secured to the housing, as by means of bolts 29 extending through the cover and through openings in the plunger ring 23, the lower end of each bolt 29 being threaded into the housing II. At its inner portion, the cover 28 has a hollow boss 28a projecting upwardly within the hood IIa, the boss 28a being spaced from the nut Il and its hood I'Ia. As shown, the interior of the hood I'Ia is provided Iwith steps Ilb which increase in diameter toward thebottom of the hood, and the boss 28a of the cover plate has external steps 28h conforming generally to the steps I'Ib. Thus, the boss 28a and the surrounding hood IIa cooperate to provide a bafe arrangement by which air can circulate through the bearing assembly without admitting foreign particles.

The lower end of spindle I3 is supported laterally by a ball bearing 30 closely surrounding the spindle. As shown, the inner race of the lower bearing is secured to the spindle by a nut 3| which is threaded on the spindle below the bearing 3i! and clamps the latter against a shoulder I3b of the spindle. The nut 3| is locked in position by a deformable washer 32 having a part 32a located in a longitudinal groove in the spindle. The outer race of bearing 3i] is slidable axially in a sleeve-like housing 33 closely surrounding this bearing, the housing 33 being removably secured in the lower frame part Illa by bolts 34.

In order to feed liquid to the centrifugal bowl (not shown) on top of the spindle I3, the latter is provided with a central passage I3's which communicates through a tube 35, secured to the lower end of the spindle, `with a chamber 36 in a stationary housing 3l on the frame. The housing 3l is clamped against the bottom of the lower bearing housing 33 and contains a exible seal 38 closely surrounding the spindle tube 35 and dividing the chamber 36 into two parts. A nozzle opening 39, narrowing upwardly, is formed in the bottom of the lower part of chamber 35 and delivers the feed liquid in a jet into the reduced lower end of the rotating tube 35 spaced above the nozzle, the liquid then owing upwardly in a divergent stream at 35a into the spindle passage above the tube 35. Leakage of feed liquid past the seal 38 is discharged from the upper part of chamber 36 through an outlet 31a. Such leakage, however, will normally be insubstantial because of the low pressure in the lower part of chamber 36 due to the Venturi effect of the nozzle 39 and tube 35.

It is desirable to prevent leakage of oil from bearing 3i) down into the seal housing 37, because the oil might seep past the seal and contaminate the feed liquid. Accordingly, the housing 33 is provided below the bearingg30 'with an internal flange 33a which closely receives alcollar 40 projecting upwardly into a depending hood 3 Ia on the nut 3 I, there being a clearance between the collar and the hood. Thus, the parts 3|a and III]A serve to trap the oil leakage from the bearing. Any oil overflowing the collar 4i) will be deflected outwardly by an underlying apron :IIa on a nut 4I for securing tube 35 to the spindle, the outwardly deflected oil escaping through a port 42. Y

The operation of the bearing assembly is as follows: The spindle is supported axially by the vertical compression springs I9 which transmit the downward thrust of the spindle fromthe upper bearing and the ring I 8 to the housing member II and the frame I0. The upper part of the spindle is supported laterally bythe radial compression springs 24 which transmit the forces incident toradial movements of the spindle to the side wall of housing II and thence to the centrifuge frame. In addition, the lower part of the spindle is supported laterally by the bearing 30,' which, however, is held against radial movement and is slidable axially in housing 33. When the spindle is rotating, any increase in the axial thrust, such as may occur in filling the centrifugal bowl or discharging separated material therefrom, is absorbed by the vertical springs'IS. 'I'hat is, the springs I9 allow the supporting ring I8, and the bearing and spindle which it supports, to move verticallyrelative to the frame and the housing I I, so that the spindle iioats upon the springs I9. Since the inner end of each plunger 22 is somewhat smaller than the recess I8a which receives it, the supporting ring I8 is adapted to move vertically without damaging the plungers or the radial spring system, the flat inner ends of the plungers merely sliding vertically on the inter-engaging face of the supporting ring I8.

The vertical movements of the spindle, accompanied by expansion and contractionof springs I9, result in a sliding movement 4'of thelower bearing 30 in housing 33. This sliding movement is permitted by the vertical spacing between collar 40 and nut 3 I, between housing 31 and apron dla, and between tube 35 and the bottom of chamber 36, the spacing in each case being sufficient to prevent engagement of the rotating parts with the fixed parts in the operation of the centrifuge.

The lateral or radial movements of the upper part of spindle I3 incident to its rotation are absorbed by the radial springs 24, as pointed out above.. More particularly, the supporting ring I8 moves radially with the spindle and. acts through the opposing plunger or pl-ungers22 to further compress the corresponding spring or springs 24. The plungers 22 are adapted to slide outwardly a certain distance before they engage the outer ring 26, the amountof this permissible outward movement being suicient to accommo-` date the maximum vibrations of the spindle. Of course, any such outward movement of one of the plungers 22 vis accompanied by an inward movement of the plunger or plungers at the opposite side of the spindle, due to the expansion of the corresponding springs 24. The radial springs 24 thus impose an increasing and yielding resistance: to radial displacements of the spindle. It will be observed that these radial displacements of the spindle may occur without damaging the vertical springs I9, .since the upper portions of the latter are free to flex laterally during such displacements.

It Willbe observed that the bearing I4, I5, I6 and the surrounding ring I8 Will move together not only horizontally but vertically as well, because of the inwardly extending flange of ring I8 upon which the outer race of the bearing rests and for the further reason that springs I9 cause this ring to follow any upward movement of the bearing. Thus, the vertical movements of. the bearing and the supporting ring I8 are accommodated entirely by the sliding contacts between ring I8 and the plungers 22.

Inaddition, it Vwill be observed that the small clearance between the nut I'I and the inner surface of cover y28 will limit the lateral movements of the rotating parts in the event of breakage of the -upper bearing Iii, I5, I6, soA as to prevent'damage due to contacting of fixed and rotating parts, and in this respect the parts I1 and 28 serve the additional function of a safety bearing.

The lower bearing 38, being held against radial movement, acts more or less as a fulcrum about which the upper part of the spindle can vibrate laterally against the radial springs 24. However, since the bearing 38 is located near the lower end of the spindle, the lateral movements of the lower end are held to a relatively-small magnitude. This is particularly advantageous when the lower end'of the spindle is engaged by a seal 38. because it reduces distortions of the seal incident to the rotation. Y

It will be understood that the initial compression in the radial springs 24 is determined by the mass of the rotating parts and by the extentto which it is desired to dampen their radial vibrations. Similarly, the initial compression in the vertical springs I9 is determined by the weight of the assembly which they support and the extent to which it is desired to dampen the vertical vibrations.

When the centrifugal bowl and its spindle I3 are to be lifted from the centrifuge frame, for repair or other purpose, the bolts I2 are removed to release the upper bearing housing II, so that the latter can be lifted with the spindle. The lower nut 4I is also unscrewed, after removing the housing 31, so that the spindle can be lifted freely from the lower part Illa of the frame. The upper bearing assembly is readily accessible through the top of housing II after the cover 28 is removed.

By using the bearing assembly of the present invention, it is possible to effect a substantial reduction in the height of the spindle as compared with spindles using prior bearing assemblies. Ac-

6, cordingly; the over-all'height of the centrifuge may be reduced, which is a distinct advantage.

1. A bearing assembly for centrifuge spindles,

and the like, which comprises a stationaryhous ing having an opening through which the spindle extends vertically, the spindle being rotatable in the housing and movable laterally in said opening, a bearing in the housing surrounding vthe spindle, means for securing the bearingvto the spindle to prevent axial movement of the spindle relative to the bearing, a supporting ring closely surrounding the bearing and having a surfacevon which the bearing is seated, a pluralityof axial spindle-supportng springs seated on the `bottom of the housing around said opening-andvengaging the bottom of said ring to sup-port the bearing and spindle, the axial springs being compressed by the spindle and bearing in a direction generally parallel to the spindle axis and acting to transmit the axial thrust of the spindle to the housing, and radial spring means in the housing disposed around the bearing and held compressed against the side wall of said ring by the housing in a generally radial direction with respect to the spindle, said radial spring means imposing a yielding resistance to lateral movement of the Y of the .axial supporting springs and outwardly therefrom.

4. In a centrifuge, or the like, having a vertii cal spindle rotatable in a frame, the combination of a bearing closely surrounding the spindle near one end thereof and adapted to support the spindle both radially and in axial thrust, radial spring means disposed around the bearing and compressed between'the bearing andthe frame, the adjacent end portion of the spindle'being movable radially relative to the frame against the action of said means, an axial spindle-supporting spring below the bearing and compressed between the bearing and the frame to support the bearing and spindle thereon, the spindle being movable axially on said axial supporting spring relative to the frame, a second bearing closely surrounding the spindle near the opposite end thereof, and means for retaining said last bearing against radial movement while accommodating said axial movement of the spindle.

5. A bearing assembly for centrifuge spindles, and the like, which comprises a stationary housing having an opening through which the spindle extends, the spindle being rotatable in the housing and movable laterally in said opening, a bearing in the housing surrounding the spindle, a nut threaded on the spindle to lock the same against axial movement relative to the bearing, an axial spindle-supporting spring in the housing carrying the bearing and spindle and compressed thereby in a direction generally parallel to the spindle axis, whereby the spring transmits the axial thrust of the bearing and spindle to the housing, radial spring means in the housing disposed around the bearing and compressed between the bearing and the housing in a lgenerally radial direction with respect to the spindle, said radial =spring means imposing a yielding resistance-to lateral movement of the bearing and the spindle, and a removable cover plate on the housing, said plate having a central opening through which the spindle extends with a clearance and also having an upwardly extending boss, said Vnut having a hood extending downwardly around said boss and forming therewith a baiile passage communicating with the interior of the housing for circulation of air therethrough.

6. A bearing assembly for centrifuge spindles, and the like, which comprises a stationary housing having an opening through which the spindle extends vertically, the spindle being rotatable in the Yhousing and movable laterally in said opening, a bearing in the housing surrounding the spindle, means for securing the bearing to the spindle to prevent axial movement of the spindle vrelative to the bearing, an axial spindlesupporting spring in the housing carrying the bearing and spindle and compressed thereby in a direction generally parallel to the spindle axis, whereby the spring transmits the axial thrust of the bearing and spindle to the housing, a plurality of radial compression springs in the housing spaced around the bearing and compressed between the bearing and the housing in a generally radial direction with respect to the spindle, and a plunger urged radially inward by each spring toward the bearing, each plunger being movable radially in the housing and having at its inner end a vertical sliding contact with part of the bearing to permit axial movement of the bearingon said axial supporting spring and relative to the plunger, said radial spring means imposing a yielding resistance to lateral movement of the bearing and the spindle.

7. A bearing assembly for centrifuge spindles, and the like, which comprises a stationary 'nousing having an opening through which the spindle extends vertically, the spindle being rotatable in the housing and movable laterally in said opening, a bearing in the housing surrounding the spindle,`means for securing the bearing to the spindle to prevent axial movement of the spindle relative to the bearing, an axial spindle-supporting spring in the housing carrying the bearing and spindle and compressed thereby in a direction generally parallel to the spindle axis, whereby the spring transmits the axial thrust of the bearing and spindle to the housing, radial spring means in the housing disposed around the bearing and compressed between the bearing and the housing in a generally radial direction with respect to the spindle, said radial spring means imposing a yielding resistance to lateral movement of the bearing and the spindle, a frame supporting said housing near the upper end of the spindle, a second bearing surrounding the spindle near the lower end thereof and in Which the spindle is movable axiallyand means on the frame securing said last bearing against lateral movement.

8. A bearing' assembly for centrifuge spindles, and the like, which comprises a stationary housing having an opening through which the spindle extends vertically, the spindle being rotatable in the housing and movable laterally in said opening, a bearing in the housing surrounding the spindle, means for securing the bearing to the spindle to prevent axial movement of the spindle relative to the bearing, an axial spindle-supporting spring in the housing carrying the bearing and spindle and compressed thereby in a direction generally parallel to the spindle axis, whereby the spring transmits the axial thrust of the bearing and spindle to the housing, radial spring means in the housing disposed around the bearing and compressed between the bearing and the housing in agenerally radial direction with respect to the spindle, said radial spring means imposing a yielding resistance to lateral movement of the bearing and the spindle, a frame supporting said housing near the upper end of the spindle, a second bearing surrounding the spindle near the lower end thereof, and a second housing on the frame in which said last bearing is slidable axially and retained against lateral movement.

JAMES E. COOK.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the le of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,035,888 McLeod Aug. 20, 1912 1,598,157 SeibelA Aug. 3l, 1926 2,012,997 Junkers Sept. 3, 1935 FOREIGN PATENTS Y Number Country Date 343,420 Germany Nov. 1, 1921 200,452 Great Britain July l2, 1923 

